Orbelin Pineda (white jersey) has been one of Mexico’s outstanding performers in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. (Photo: AFP)

Advertisement

SAN DIEGO, California – Prior to facing Mexico (1W-1D-0L, 4 points) in the last Group C match of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Curacao will know if it has a chance to advance to the quarterfinals or not.

If El Salvador (1-0-1, 3) losses to Jamaica (1-1-0, 4) in the doubleheader’s opener at the Alamodome on Sunday, the Curacaoans will remain in contention.

A Salvadoran draw means that the Caribbean champion will only be playing for a pride against the seven-time champion.

Mexico, however, will be looking to bounce back from Thursday’s 0-0 stalemate with Jamaica. On the road to the 2015 title, finished group play with two straight draws. Will it happen again?

Here are some storylines to watch:

- Can Curacao get its first-ever Gold Cup goal and point?

- Gino van Kessel was the focus of much attention ahead of the Gold Cup, mostly because of his outstanding club play in Europe and the 2016/17 Scotiabank CFU Caribbean Cup. Will he make his mark in CONCACAF?

- Mexico is riding an eight-game unbeaten streak in the Gold Cup. Over that stretch, it is 2W-2D-0L against Caribbean sides.

- With the United States and other sides announcing their intentions to make roster changes for the knockout rounds, Mexico intends to stand pat. A convincing win against Curacao will be a boost to the Mexican squad and fans.